I want to learn the birds
Learn their feathers, names, and calls
Learn the stories people first told
Of local waterfalls
Learn entomology to know
Which bugs are friend or foe
Or how, when running through the woods
Fawns recognize their doe
To learn photovoltaics
And the art of metal crafting
Or how to read river
So I can go white water rafting
Learn to navigate by map
Or need no map at all
Learn which trees are evergreen
Or change colors in the Fall
Learn how ants communicate
If they like to keep in touch
Learn how to eat the right amount
Instead of way too much
Learn to make things with my hands
Just like artisans or welders
Learn the wisdom, music, customs,
And traditions of my elders
Learn the shape of constellations
Read the tracks left in the dirt
Or the right way to help someone
Whenever they get hurt
Learn more about my culture
And how it differs from my race
Learn the ways of color theory
And the colors of my face
I’d love to know which knots to tie
And which berries to eat
But most of all how to relax
And just kick up my feet
Thank you so much for reading. If you liked my work, and want to support it, the best ways are donating, sharing, or following along on email or Bluesky.
Originally published on austingil.com.